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Yes, in the most literal 'thin blue line' interpretation imaginable, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Ariel's local police force, of course - has just unveiled its latest jam sandwich. Not just an Atom, but the newest, spangliest 3.5R model, which has 350bhp, weighs just 612kg, and will get to 60mph in 2.5 seconds.

Why? Unfortunately, this is not the beginning of a crack force of skeletal high-speed pursuit vehicles, rather a message in safety. The liveried Atom has been cooked up to promote the Safer Rider campaign, which is aimed at increasing awareness by and for motorcyclists. And the Atom was chosen because it's the bikiest car out there.

Sergeant Andy Parsons (not that one) who heads up Safer Rider, says: "Motorcyclists make up just 1 per cent of total road traffic but account for nearly 20 per cent of all road user deaths. They are roughly 35 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic collision than someone in a car and we really want to see these numbers reduced."

Quite right. We're still not entirely sure why you need an Atom for this - complete with Avon and Somerset livery, Hella pursuit lights, and emergency equipment - but if it helps, we're on board.